MALA WI : PISTONS SHINES AT LAST

It was all smiles among people as the NOZOBAL LEAGUE clocked to an end on Saturday 27/10/07 at Katoto basketball court.

The final game was between the Dynamytes and Pistons. As usual, everybody expected that the Dynamytes will win the game, but to everybody's surprise, the Pistons gave their opponents tough time. The Pistons won the game with 52 baskets to 47 baskets.

Pistons success was contributed by their point guard Mwasony Phiri. Their guard dished them good passes to the whole team plus he could drive through the zone as if there were no big men.

At the end of the game, the NOZOBAL league committee composed of Young Jere, Henry Nyirenda, Chimwemwe Mhone and Mayamiko gave awards to the teams and the awards were like this.

UGANDA : Mogas Falcons Can Be Champions - Olumbo

By Sande BashaijaKampala

MOGAS Falcons' previous performance against Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons left coach Thomas 'Smatts' Olumbo convinced that the record champions are unstoppable and will bag this year's trophy.

Falcons, humiliated in Game One 74-49 of the best of three semi-final play-off series, returned to convincingly beat Canons 80-69 in Game Two last week.

The two teams clash in the decisive game tonight at Lugogo Indoor Stadium and the winner will earn a right to face Warriors in the best of five final series.

"There is no doubt these boys can win the championship. They have the experience, confidence and talent. So I don't see what will stop them," the Kenyan tactician intimated to Daily Monitor after the victory. The Malinga brothers Henry and Eric had a memorable outing last week, sharing 46 points and their form will be vital if Falcons are to make it past the regular season champions Canons.

The game, which had earlier been pushed to Friday, was brought forward again following the death of Fuba technical committee member James Abola.

"Most basketball players and officials will be traveling upcountry to attend the burial so we decided to have the game tomorrow (today)," explained Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano.

Adding; "But since we couldn't inform Gulu Hawks to travel to Kampala on Friday, their game with Crane High will still take place on Friday." The series is tied at 1-all.

UGANDA : Basketball Administrator 'Jordan' Abola is Dead

Sande BashaijaKampala

FEDERATION of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) technical committee member James Abola is dead. Commonly referred to as Jordan, Abola collapsed on Monday morning at Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza and died instantly.

"It's unbelievable. I was with him at our office on Sunday and he told me he wasn't feeling fine. He had some backache but I didn't think it was that serious. He took a rest in the office and I left him there but I am shocked to learn about his death," Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano told Daily Monitor.

According to Manano, the deceased fainted a few days ago while playing fun basketball at YMCA Wandegeya. "Of late his health has not been the best but I didn't expect such to happen," Manano added.

"Abalo is one person who will be dearly missed by our team. By virtue of being a lawyer, he was helping us in interpreting rules and regulations where necessary." "Despite his busy schedule, Abalo has never missed a technical committee meeting.

This is a very big loss," Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya mourned yesterday. Abalo has for a long time been attached to 2000 league champions Sadolin Power.

KENYA : Tournament Moves to Shimba Hills

Basketball action shifts to Shimba Hills Secondary when top clubs and schools drawn from all-over the Coast region converge for the Shimba Hills Open basketball tournament on Saturday.

Principal Robert Aran who is coordinating the event said 15 teams have already confirmed their participation in the one day event which will be used by the teams to fine tune ahead of two major basketball tournaments planned for Mombasa Sports Club this month.

Aran, who has sponsored the tournament, said Shanzu Teachers College, Mikindani Cruisers, Mombasa Sports Club women's team and reigning Kenya and East Africa secondary schools champions Mombasa High School are among the teams which had by Tuesday confirmed their participation.

"With no administration structures in place, basketball teams at the Coast have been very idle and thus the reason we have organised the tournament to give the teams some exposure during this pre-season training period", Aran said.

He said all the teams were welcome regardless of their status adding that having league clubs at the championships will give the young players enough exposure.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women's team will soon start scouting for young players to strengthen the squad ahead of next years assignments.

kA welfare and sports officer, Edward Odour said there was great need to beef up the squad with young talent to give the team a new life line.

"We are targeting at least five young players who should be able to do duty for the company at least for the next five years to bring into the team new blood", he said.

30 October 2007

SEYCHELLES : Hawks edge out Baya, Cobras sink Rockers to heat up the league

THE Men’s division 1A league has become more exciting after PLS Hawks registered an 81-64 victory over their closest rivals Baya while Premium Cobras defeated MBU Rockers 83-68 on Sunday at the Palais des Sports.

PLS Hawks’ top scorer Omony (with ball) takes on the Baya defenceFollowing their victory, Premium Cobras are still topping the league table with 24 points after 13 matches played (11 wins and two defeats). Boasting the same points total, Baya are the current runners-up (24 points after 13 matches -11 wins and two defeats).

With a match in hand on the top two, PLS Hawks are occupying third position with 23 points from 12 encounters (11 wins and a defeat).

The match between Baya and PLS Hawks started on a very slow pace with both teams hesitating to impose their game. It was only after four minutes of play that Michael Cupidon broke the deadlock with the first basket of the match before Thomas Collie replied with 3-pointer. Baya tucked 10 more points while PLS Hawks added another five to conclude the first quarter on a 12-8 score.

The second quarter was the turning point of the match and it was a nightmare for Baya as they lost concentration and conceded 36 points while scoring only 9.

PLS Hawks held on to their comfortable lead and won the match 81-64 even though Baya won the third and fourth quarters 24-20 and 19-17 respectively.

Ugandan Stephen Omony was PLS Hawks’ top scorer with 28 points, while with 21 points, Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Camille led the scoring for Baya.

According to PLS Hawks’ manager Jimmy Esparon, it was good teamwork that earned his team victory.“PLS Hawks have some good players with a lot of potential but our main problem was to get them to play as a team. Today (Sunday) we managed to do that and as you can see everything worked out fine,” explained Esparon.

“As for our remaining matches, we will take them very seriously and we will be all out to win the championship,” he added.For his part, Baya’s coach Michel Malbrook blamed poor officiating for his team’s defeat.

In the other Men’s division 1A match played on Sunday, Premium Cobras defeated MBU Rockers 83-68. The Cobras won the first two quarters 33-11 and 17-15 respectively while the Rockers clinched the third and fourth quarters 20-19 and 17-11.

Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan was Premium Cobras’ top scorer with 26 points while captain Nigel Sinon led the Rockers with 19 points.In a Women’s league match also played on Sunday, Bel Air defeated Cadettes 65-10.

CAMEROON : Basketball Cup - An All- Yaounde Affair

Fred Vubem

The Centre province won all the three cups in competition at the Concorde Sports Complex last Saturday.

After dominating the national championship in basketball in the youth, women and men categories, teams from the Centre province again dominated the finals of the Cup of Cameroon which took place at the Concorde Sports complex of the University of Yaounde I, last Saturday. Five of the six teams involved in the competition, came from the Centre province and after the elimination of Ecole de Basket of Douala in the youth category, the competition became an all-Yaounde affair.

In the youth category, the basketball school from Douala's second attempt at the Cup of Cameroon finals was thwarted by Onyx of Yaounde. The Yaounde-based club defeated Ecole de Basket of Douala 57-43. In the women category, INJS of Yaounde came from behind to defeat Phislama Jama of Yaounde 52-46. Phislama Jama led until three minutes to the end of the last quarter of the match, when the INJS girls turned the tables to carry the day. The youth and women categories were full of narrow misses and lack of an exciting play style. It took the men's finals for one to see more speed and technical skill, coupled with smashes and dunking as well as more precision in the execution of penalties. Consequently the total number of baskets scored more than those of the youth and women finals combined. In the end, BEAC Yaounde for the fourth consecutive time, emerge victorious in the Cup of Cameroon, defeating two-year-old Condor of Yaounde 88-82.

To the centre provincial league president of Basketball, Jean Blaise Nkonga, the domination of teams from the Centre province demonstrates the vitality of the sports in the province and that is usually one of the objectives set by the league at the beginning of every basketball season. However to the president of the Cameroon Basketball Federation, Noah Chrysogone Simon Jean, the domination of the Centre and Littoral provinces is a question of infrastructure which is not available in other parts of the country. As to the question of having the same teams all the time in the final, the President of the basketball federation said this did not mean there was no change within the clubs. "They maybe the same clubs coming up all the time but the players are not the same. It is that these clubs have the means to train and bring up new talents and it is not easy to create and run a basketball club", he said.

The Cup of Cameroon finals marks the end of the basketball season in Cameroon, a season which this year has been punctuated by the impressive performance of the men national basketball team who were runners-up at the 2007 Afro basket tournament in Angola. The women national basketball team, a few weeks later, was also eliminated at the quarter finals in the cup of African Nations.

ANGOLA : 1º De Agosto Carry Out Training Period in Brazil

1º de Agosto senior male team of basketball will travel Thursday to Brazil where they will prepare their participation in the African champions clubs cup, scheduled for November in Angola, on Tuesday announced a source with the club.

The club´s vice-president, Jose Moniz, said 1º de Agosto will play nine games in that country, but did not mention the name of the opponent teams.

Despite 1º de Agosto, who have already won the continental competition twice, Petro de Luanda, title holders, are other Angolan representatives to this year's African champions clubs cup.

RWANDA : Champions out

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Weekend league results

Men

CSK A 61-65 APR

CSK B 40-55 UGB

ISAE 66-68 KIE

ESPOIR 20-0 UNR

Women

APR 75-17 Fawe

KIST 70-88 UNR

UNR 20-0 Fawe

Cliff Owuor and APR basketball club received their biggest shock in Rwandan basketball history after being piped to a spot in this season’s race for the play-offs’ berth by debutants CSK A.In spite of Sunday’s 65-61 victory over the league debutants, the national league reigning champions were left licking their boots after learning that their four-point difference was not enough to sail them through to the play-offs.APR’s victory left both clubs level on 18 points bringing head to head statistics into play.In the first round, CSK A registered a nine-point difference win over the champions after a 73-67 final score.

But according to the national basketball federation rules, for APR to qualify, they had to win Sunday’s tie by at least a difference of nine points or more.“When two teams are level on points (like in the case of APR and CSK A), we apply their head to head record in the league and in this case, statistics favoured CSK A.“For APR to qualify, they had to win Sunday’s tie with at least a difference of nine points,” the federation’s technical director Innocent Karuhije said. Like CSK A, Rusizi another debutants qualified for the play-offs after finishing second in pool B.The two clubs join Marine and Espoir who finished top in their respective pools.It is the first time since the play-off format was introduced three years ago that APR have not qualified, having been champions in the last two seasons.

In the ladies category, APR and Rwanda National University (UNR) were in fine form as they maintained their command at the top of the pool.

The pair would be joined by ISAE and KIST in the play-offs, which start November 10.

KENYA : KPA return and blame poor show on injuries

Story by PHILIP ONYANGOPublication Date: 10/30/2007

Kenya Ports Authority women basketball team quietly returned home on Sunday night after finishing a eighth and blamed their poor showing at the just concluded Africa Club championship in Mozambique to injuries.

Team Manager Edward Oduor while conceding that the standards displayed by other teams at the championships were higher, said the team should have performed much better if all the players were fully fit.

He said the Olympic qualifiers which ended in Senegal a fortnight before the club championships had dealt the team a major blow after all the players returned with injuries.

“We had to leave our dependable post players Yvonne Akinyi behind due to illness while the other three players Caroline Arato, Miriam Awuor and Millicent Anyango had to play with injuries at the championships since there was no time for them to recover after returning from Senegal”, he said.

Arato Oduor says for example played only the opening match but could not effectively play in the rest of the championship.

KPA who lost their opening three matches sneaked into the quarters after beating Lupopo from DR Congo in the last group match 53-37.

Detailed report

But that was the best the dockers could do at the 16-team championships as they went ahead to lose 45-54 to Desportivo of Mozambique in the quarterfinals.

They then lost the classification game against First Bank from Nigeria to finish in position eight.

Oduor who promised the give a detailed report later after the technical bench have done their review of the championship, was full of praise for Caroline Mireji whom he says played a great game.

“Mireji was very strong in the air controlling the boards both on offense and defense and actually helped the team a lot in a maiden appearance for the team at the international scene”, Oduor said.

Desportivo of Mozambique were crowned new champions after beating defending champions Primero De Agosto 76-65 in a tough final.

29 October 2007

UGANDA : Kasewu dumps Power

RONNIE Kasewu plundered 26 points as the Kyambogo Warriors showed Sadolin Power the way out of the playoffs with victory in game two of the best of three semifinals.

The shooting guard, who made 21 points in game one, continued where he had left off, causing more headaches for Power’s defense on the way to topping the playoffs’ scorer’s charts with 47 points.

Power’s coach, Andrew Bazira, admitted that his team had no remedy for the silky lefthander: “We didn’t have an outright defensive player who would be capable of stopping Ronnie”.

Bazira’s Power needed a victory to level the series but the players from Kyambogo were not going to be stopped from reaching their first playoffs final.

The Warriors coach, Ambrose Tashobya praised his team for the remarkable achievement.

“The boys were very focused and played as a team. They have failed at the semifinals three times before and were determined not to lose this time,” Tashobya said.

Tasobya however quelled suspicions that his team might be content with making it to finals. “We’ve worked very hard to get here but now we are going to work even harder,” said the Warriors coach, who had lost his voice by the final whistle.

The Warriors will know whom they will play in the final when Mogas Falcons and the UCU Canons play their game-three-decider next week.

Meanwhile, A1 challenge ejected KIU Rangers with a two-game sweep to win the right to contest the ladies final with the KCC Leopards.

Crane High, in the meantime, revived their hopes for promotion to the top division with victory over Gulu Hawks that levelled the three game series.

TANZANIA : Mwanza City Basketball team criticises TBF

The first runners-up in the national basketball championship, Mwanza Region team, has criticized the governing body, Tanzania Basketball Federation,for poor organisation of local tournaments.

The captain of the team, Mr.Kizito Bahati, said in Dar es Salaam on Friday that the daily per diem of Tsh.8.000/- for each player, meant for accommodation, tea, lunch and dinner was too little.

``Just imagine, how can you pay for hotel room and eat bearing in mind the high cost of living in Dar es Salaam?`` argued Mr.Kizito.

He said the players were forced to share beds and rooms to reduce expenses, but still each one ended up paying 7,000/-or more.

He advised TBF to bring in referees from abroad at all semi finals, to avoid the present claims of local referees favouring their teams.

However, the Secretary General of TBF,Lawrence Cheyo, admitted to have paid little money to the teams for the simple reason that their sponsors, TBL, gave them less than the amount originally promised. TBL was to provide 15m/= to them, but finally gave only 7.5 m/=.

The Champion of the competitions was Dar es Salaam who won by 100-79 points against Mwanza and were awarded a cup and cash money of 400.000/-. The first runners up, Mwanza were awarded 300.000/- only while second runners up, Zanzibar were awarded 200.000/-.

RWANDA : APR-CSK a in Play-Off Chase

National basketball League reigning champions APR are in for a tough fight this afternoon as they challenge for a play-offs spot with CSK A in their final Pool A tie.

The army-side commonly referred to as the 'Indomitable Lions' lessened their chances after last Sunday's 90-65 defeat at the hands of Marine.

Marine's victory pushed them at the top of the pool with 18points and sequentially sailed them to this year's play-offs. With Marine already through, APR (16) and CSK A (17) are fighting for the other play-offs' spot. Going into today's tie, CSK A have the upper hand after edging APR in the league first round. However, APR's Cliff Owuor is happy to see most of his star players back on court after sitting out last weekend's game due to injury.

"We had a number of players down last weekend but I'm happy to tell you that most of them have recovered and ready for the game," Owuor said with great relief. In Pool B, Espoir takes on Rwanda National University (UNR) while CSK B faces UGB. In the ladies' category, table leaders APR host Fawe while Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) takes on UNR.

28 October 2007

EGYPT : WIN HER FIRST MATCH IN THE ARABIC CHAMPIONSHIP OVER YEMEN

In the first day of the Arabic championship, Egypt wins over Yemen 77/57 in a good basketball game for both teams. Egypt played this match without Isamil Ahmed as coach Brederadge preferred to rest him, instead Ashraf Rabie and Karim Shamsia had a great performance in the match. On the other hand, Yemen players showed a great talent, and a strong tactical performance.In the first quarter, Wael Badr scored the first two points in the game, after that Ashraf Rabie and Ramy Guniedy made Egypt leads 11/10. Coach Brederadge found than his players, so he participated the experienced players Amir Elfnan and Ahmed Sakr. The first quarter finished 20/17 for Egypt.In the second Quarter, Ithad players Amier Elfnan and Ashraf Rabie were the best in this quarter, but Yemen player Taha Huessin was magnificent and helped his team toDecrease the score difference. The second quarter ended 30/29.In the third Quarter, inexperienced Yemen players couldn't cope with the pace of the game. Egyptian players took advantage of that and increase the score difference to 15 points. The third quarter ended 62/47.In the fourth quarter, Egypt didn't find a difficulty to end the match and overcome their opponent 77/57.Matches of the first day:Jordan 80/60 Libya (Group A)Qatar 79/69 Iraq (Group A)Tunisia 98/35 Sudan (group B)Second Day matches:Jordan Vs Iraq (group A)Saudi Arabia Vs Yemen (Group B)Palestine Vs Kuwait (Group B)

27 October 2007

TANZANIA : Holders Dar easily retain Taifa Cup titles

By Oliver AlbertDar es Salaam easily retained their men's and women's Taifa Cup basketball titles yesterday.Dar defeated Mwanza 100-79 in an entertaining men's final at Dar es Salaam's National Indoor Stadium. The defending champions led 24-21, 47-35 and 70-48 in the first three quarters.

Charles Makene and Mohamed Ali "Dibo" scored 18 points apiece for Dar while Kizito Bahati emerged as Mwanza's top scorer with 20 points to his name.

Earlier, Dar retained their women's title after brushing aside Shinyanga 58-27.The match was something of an anti-climax for basketball fans who had expected Shinyanga to at least give the defending champions a run for their money in a closely contested encounter. It was clear that the match was going to be a one-sided affair when Dar raced to a 22-5 first-quarter lead before stretching their advantage to 32-18 at the halfway mark.

Hapless Shinyanga were reduced to chasing shadows as the title-holders strolled to a 46-21 lead at the end of the third quarter before putting their opponents out of their misery in an equally lopsided final quarter.

Shinyanga seemed resigned to their fate as early as the second quarter, and most of their players were clearly glad to hear the final buzzer as their opponents hugged one another in celebration.

Nelly Anyingisye was Dar's top scorer with 19 points while Elizabeth Masenyi contributed nine points to the defending champions' haul.

The Dar men's and women's teams both finished the championships with 100 per cent records.Earlier, Shinyanga defeated Mwanza 62-52 to finish third in the women's tournament.Sheila Kibwana and Agnes Ayoub scored 20 and 15 points respectively for Shinyanga while Mwanza's leading scorers were Fatuma Hamisi and Candida Nzomukunda with 11 and six points respectively.

Zanzibar beat Mbeya 58-56 in the men's third place playoff.Zanzibar led 18-11 at the end of the first quarter, but the tables were turned as Mbeya led 32-26 and 44-42 in the next two quarters before Zanzibar stepped up their game to snatch a narrow win in the final quarter. The leading scorers were Mbeya's Lusajo Samuel (20) and Gomba Muhondo (11).

TANZANIA : 'Dream Team' stay on course in Taifa Cup

By Oliver AlbertMen's defending champions Dar es Salaam Dream Team"made it two wins out of two with an easy 80-30 victory over Dodoma on the second day of the Taifa Cup basketball championships yesterday.

Ruvuma gave a good account of themselves in the match at Dar es Salaam's National Indoor Stadium when they restricted Dar es Salaam to a 17-11 first-quarter lead.

However, the title-holders were too strong for their opponents in the second quarter as they opened up a virtually insurmountable 41-14 lead at the interval. The game was over as a contest in the third quarter when Dar stretched their lead to 74-25 before finishing off hapless Ruvuma in an embarrassingly one-sided final quarter.

Dar's Ali Mohamed"Dibo"poured in 38 points, which included eight three-pointers, with Gilbert Batungi contributing nine points to the title-holders' kitty. Francis Mlewa was Ruvuma's top scorer with 10 points to his name.

Dar launched their campaign with a clinical 78-27 destruction of Dodoma on Sunday. Dar led 22-2, 46-11 and 54-17 in the first three quarters. Dar's campaign to retain their women's title also got off to a flying start yesterday when they brushed aside Morogoro 75-33.

Morogoro led 16-8 at the end of the first quarter, but Dar came storming back to lead 28-16 at the interval before taking a 50-26 third-quarter advantage.Amina Ahmed and Monica Aloyce were Dar's top scorers with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Lilian Munisi scored 13 points for Morogoro with team mate Saida Ahmed scoring eight.

Shinyanga also picked up maximum points in the women's competition with a 41-32 win over Coast. Shinyanga's Zuhura Bwire was the game's top scorer with 24 points while veteran Mgeni Kiota scored 14 points for Shinyanga.

The championships continue today when Lindi take on Zanzibar, Shinyanga face Coast, Dodoma battle Ruvuma and Mbeya tackle Mara in the men's competition.Other men's fixtures will see Pemba face Coast, Dar take on Morogoro and Shinyanga battle Kilimanjaro.By Oliver AlbertMen's defending champions Dar es Salaam Dream Team"made it two wins out of two with an easy 80-30 victory over Dodoma on the second day of the Taifa Cup basketball championships yesterday.

Ruvuma gave a good account of themselves in the match at Dar es Salaam's National Indoor Stadium when they restricted Dar es Salaam to a 17-11 first-quarter lead.

However, the title-holders were too strong for their opponents in the second quarter as they opened up a virtually insurmountable 41-14 lead at the interval. The game was over as a contest in the third quarter when Dar stretched their lead to 74-25 before finishing off hapless Ruvuma in an embarrassingly one-sided final quarter.

Dar's Ali Mohamed"Dibo"poured in 38 points, which included eight three-pointers, with Gilbert Batungi contributing nine points to the title-holders' kitty. Francis Mlewa was Ruvuma's top scorer with 10 points to his name.

Dar launched their campaign with a clinical 78-27 destruction of Dodoma on Sunday. Dar led 22-2, 46-11 and 54-17 in the first three quarters. Dar's campaign to retain their women's title also got off to a flying start yesterday when they brushed aside Morogoro 75-33.

Morogoro led 16-8 at the end of the first quarter, but Dar came storming back to lead 28-16 at the interval before taking a 50-26 third-quarter advantage.Amina Ahmed and Monica Aloyce were Dar's top scorers with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Lilian Munisi scored 13 points for Morogoro with team mate Saida Ahmed scoring eight.

Shinyanga also picked up maximum points in the women's competition with a 41-32 win over Coast. Shinyanga's Zuhura Bwire was the game's top scorer with 24 points while veteran Mgeni Kiota scored 14 points for Shinyanga.

The championships continue today when Lindi take on Zanzibar, Shinyanga face Coast, Dodoma battle Ruvuma and Mbeya tackle Mara in the men's competition.Other men's fixtures will see Pemba face Coast, Dar take on Morogoro and Shinyanga battle Kilimanjaro.

TANZANIA : Mbeya beat Mara in basketball thriller

By Oliver AlbertMbeya region basketball team yesterday laboured to defeat Mara by 61-57 points in a tension packed encounter of the ongoing Taifa Cup championship played at the National indoor stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The dazzling Mbeya side has shown all indications that they are a team to reckon with in the championship. The winners were ahead by 31-24 points as the game approached half way mark.

Fast moving Godfrey Malike and Adam Haroun inspired their team as they scored 15 and eight points respectively.

Gibson George and Nyakisopela Hamis managed 12 and eight points for the losing side. Mbeya team are back in action today as they play against Coast region at the same venue.

In another match Ruvuma were back in contention as they trounced Dodoma by 57-56 points in a closely contested encounter.

Ruvuma lost 30-60 points at the hands of the star studded Dar es Salaam team on Monday played impressively to emerge victorious.

Dodoma started yesterday's match promisingly to end the first quarter with a stalemate of 14-14. Ruvuma made a strong come back to take a narrow 43-42 lead at half time.

Mkumbo Mgendi and Himid Choka scored 17 and 12 points respectively to inspire their team to victory while Dodoma's Mohamedy Hashimu and Ron Kalembo scored 17 and 8 points respectively.

In another match Morogoro team beat Mwanza by 32 - 25 points as the winners led 21-11 at the half way mark. Shinyanga breezed past Ruvuma by 42 - 34 points.

TANZANIA : Dar Face Mwanza in Taifa Cup Final

By Oliver AlbertMen's defending champions Dar es Salaam were the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Taifa Cup basketball championships.Dar qualified from Group �A' after comfortably winning their first two matches against Dodoma and Ruvuma.

The maximum six points Dar picked up from the two games made yesterday's match against Morogoro a mere formality for the title-holders.One team from each of the four groups in the men's competition will play in today's semi-finals.

Group �B' has Arusha, Mwanza, Tabora and Tanga, Group �C' comprises Coast, Mara, Mbeya and Pemba while Group �D' has Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Shinyanga and Zanzibar.

Ruvuma were eliminated despite beating Morogoro 70-50 yesterday.Morogoro led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter, but Ruvuma stepped up their game to lead 31-22 and 50-33 in the next two quarters.

Women's defending champions Dar es Salaam were also through to the semi-finals yesterday after beating Mwanza 54-35.

Dar led 12-8, 31-14 and 41-15 en route to registering a comfortable win over Mwanza, who never settled against a Dar side packed with experienced players.Nelly Anyingisye and Judith Ilunda scored 14 and 11 points respectively for the title-holders, while Candida Nzomukunda and Agnes Mwamvunile were Mwanza's top scorers with 10 and nine points respectively.

26 October 2007

Playing their best game ever in the competition, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Friday put up a big fight against Desportivo basketball club of Mozambique in the first quarter-final match of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women at the Maxaquene gymnasium, Maputo, though they lost the match but the Kenyan held their own against all expectation.

The Kenyan lost the first quarter 12-10 but came back strongly to pick the second quarter 14-07 points to take a first half lead of 21-19 points.

They however, crumbled in the third and fourth quarters (17-12 and 18-09) with Senegalese Desportivo import, Salimata Diatta playing an important role in her side wins with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals.

Diara Dessai added 14 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds to help the Maputo-based side book a semi-finals ticket.

Desportivo will meet tomorrow in semi finals, the winner of the game between Djoliba of Mali and ISPU of Mozambique schedule at 20.00 today.

TANZANIA : Dar basketball team in final

ABDALLAH MSUYADaily News; Friday,October 26, 2007 @09:08DAR ES SALAAM men's basketball team take on Mwanza in the Barrick Gold Basketball Cup final at the National Indoor Stadium today hoping to win and retain their Taifa Cup title.

The Dar es Salaam team, popularly as 'Dream Team', sealed their place in the final after thrashing Mbeya 94-55 in a first semifinal match played yesterday.

The Dar team dominated all the quarters with 31-14, 51-25, 68-37 and 94-55 points to comfortably reach the finals.

Charles Makene and Mohammed Ali 'Dibo' were executioners-in-chief with each netting 28 and 21 points respectively.

Mwanza region negotiated their way past Unguja region to reach the finals following a 102-83 final quarter score

The first two quarters had witnessed a tight game from the two sides as Unguja lost the steam to allow the gap of points to widen in the last two quarters.

Mwanza now face an uphill task of dethroning the invisible Dar es Salaam, and the question is whether the rock city boys will break the Dar's unbeatable record in Taifa Cup.

Meanwhile, Shinyanga reached the women's final after defeating Mwanza region by 47-36 points.

KAMPALA City Council sides Leopards and Lions got early tickets to the MTN-Fuba League finals but regular season champions Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons suffered a shock defeat to Mogas Falcons and must win the decisive Game Three next Wednesday to qualify.

KCC Leopards overcame UCU women 60-56 while Division Two outfit Lions swept aside Luzira-based Vegetarian to wrap up the best of three semi-final play-off series 2-0.

Nonetheless, it was Kenyan tactician Thomas ‘Smatts’ Olumbo, who stole the show at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, leading an out of sorts Falcons side to a credible 80-69 victory over Canons.

Falcons lost Game One of the series 49-74 and their chances of making finals were but bleak. But Olumbo, who is also the Kenyan women’s national team coach, got everything right on the night and so did his players.

“I wasn’t around and I think the boys got nervous and intimidated in the opening fixture. But tonight I told them to go out there and enjoy basketball,” Olumbo told Daily Monitor.“Whenever they ran out of ideas I called a time out and calmed them down,” he added.

The five-time champions romped to a 28-23 first quarter lead, stretched it to 12 points inside the second session but Canons crawled back and were trailing 44-46 at halftime.Falcons got the edge in third quarter 15-14 and took advantage of Canons’ foul trouble in the penultimate session (19-11).

The Malinga brothers Henry and Eric Malinga shared 47 points and kept Canons’ post players Eric Nyamai and Phillip Odur under check throughout the game. Geoffrey Omondi (15), Ivan Enabu (14) and Robert Mugabe (13) top scored but the university side suffered a second defeat in a space of two days.

They lost to KIU in the utl Games semis on Tuesday. Asked if the Falcons’ loss came as a shock, a seemingly irate Canons coach Jason Mehl replied; “Aren’t they a good team? Why do you think it’s a shock? It’s been a bad outing for us and a good one for them.” Kyambogo Warriors will seek to seal their place in the final when they take on Sadolin Power tonight.

A-1 Challenge are also one win away from the final against KIU Rangers.

KENYA : KPA enter last 8 in Africa competition

Story by CAXTON APOLLOPublication Date: 10/26/2007Kenya Ports Authority entered the quarter-finals of the Africa women’s basketball club championship when they upset Lupopo of Democratic Republic of Congo 53-37 in their last preliminary round tie in Maputo, Mozambique on Wednesday.

The Kenyans, who had been ruled out of the running after losing all their three Pool “B” preliminary round matches, rose to the occasion on the last day to finish in the top four.

On Wednesday, KPA got off to a bright start against Lupopo and led 16-12 in the first quarter. Lupopo then turned the game round to squeeze a 13-10 second quarter run, but the Kenyan girls led 26-25 at the breather.

On resumption, coach Anthony Ojukwu’s team took a huge 19-3 third quarter lead to enhance their quarter-final prospects. However, Lupopo, who finished bottom in the five-team Pool “B,” struggled to overcome KPA 9-8 in the last quarter but it was too late to stop the Kenyans, who broke in dance to celebrate their achievement.

MOZAMBIQUE : Ferroviario beat Arc-En-Ciel 62-50

MAPUTO (13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women) - Host of the final round of the 13th edition of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women, Ferroviario Wednesday defeated Democratic Republic of Congo Arc-En-Ciel by 62-50 in a tension soaked match.

The Mozambican who were already through to the quarter-finals put in everything into the game so as to avoid a slip to the third position in group-A.

The Congolese took the first two quarters (19-18 and 12-09) but failed to build on the achievement thus allowing the Maputo-based team to subdue them in the remaining two quarters 13-08 and 22-11.

Mozambican international forward, Deolinda Gimo had a great game scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds and 2 block-shot while Stephanie Faukner added 13 points to complete the beating of the Congolese whose players, Rukonishi Kamin and Irene Nyama scored 16 and 12 points respectively.

First Bank surrender to AgostoHope of Nigeria First Bank basketball club of turning the table in group-B was dashed by defending champion Primero Agosto Wednesday after a first half lead of 31-28 points.

The Nigeria champion, took the first quarter 17-13 but gave up the remaining three quarters 15-14, 16-08 and 14-11 points for a final scores of 58-50 points as they needed to win the match by 10 points to come top of the group.

Agosto Nacitela Mauricio led the floor with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 steals and 3 assists to save her side from defeat First Bank duo of Ezinne James and Bintu Bhadmus 12 points each was not enough to stop the rampaging Angolan from running away with victory.

Dolphins forfeit game, finedNigeria Dolphins basketball club was Wednesday walked-over by Djoliba basketball club of Mali in the final round of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women.

The forfeiture became inevitable after all the participating teams were fully informed of the penalty of not having an accompanying referee or risk being fined which dolphins fails to comply with.

Dolphins failure to pay the mandatory $2,000 fine for a second offender before the stipulated 15 minutes allowed for a game to start against Djoliba of Mali cost the team the heavy harmer.

FIBA license referee, Ado Ahmado was the referee nominated by FIBA Africa to accompany the modest Nigerian side to the competition.

First Bank handed tough Q/final pairingAfter finishing third in group-B Nigeria's First Bank basketball club will keep a date with host Ferroviario basketball club of Mozambique Friday in one the quarter-finals games at the Maxaquene gymnasium, Maputo at 18.00 hours local time.

First Bank Chief Coach, Adewumi Aderemi who rue his side 58-50 points lose to defending champion, Primero Agosto Wednesday which pitched them against the host who were second from group-A.

The Nigerian coach says playing against the host at this stage will be tough but he is optimistic his players will be at their best come Friday.Aderemi who is assistant coach of the Nigeria senior female national team says beating Ferroviario is a task that must be accomplished.

According to the soft spoken coach, Ferroviario cannot stand on our way because our target is to be in the finals and we are focus.

As part of his strategy of getting the better of the massively supported Mozambique team, the coach is giving Thursday as off day for his players for them to rest their limbs for the crucial match Friday.

Desportivo set to devour KPADesportivo basketball club of Mozambique could be regarded as the luckiest of all the quarter finalist as it is presented with a weak opponent in Kenya Ports Authority who book a last minute ticket to the last eight.

Desportivo who top group-A with maximum points will take on the Kenyan in Friday quarter-finals game at 14.00 hours.

The duo of Salimata Diatta and Anta Sy says the Kenyan will be treated like any other teams they've played against in the competition.

The Kenyan cannot be treated with kid glove, because for them to get to this stage means they have something to offer, don't forget that they defeated a team to get this far and any attempt to underrate any team at this stage could spell doom, the two Senegalese import chorused.

The group-A leader will be banking on the experience and defensive play of Sy who act as the heart of her team with support from Diatta, Nadia Rodrigues and the rest of the team.

Samuel Wanjobi and Anthony Ojukwu must instruct their players not to allow the break down of their defense so as to curtain the forays of the Desportivo side who have the ability to run down any side that let her guide loose.

ABC test for PrimeroDefending champion, Primero Agosto of Angola will take to the floor against Abidjan Basket Club.

Agosto who top group-B without dropping a game face the challenge of the Ivorian who finish fourth in group-AFans who have tipped the Angolan to reach the finals says ABC would not prove any difficulty to the defending champion whom they claim are in a world of their own.

The Angolan side have remain consistent so far with rich technical bench anchored by head coach of the Angolan women national Anibal Moreira and great players to rattle the coach Benga Lemore and his ABC side.

The match fixed for the Maxaquene gymnasium, Maputo is billed to commence at 16.00 hours.

Djoliba declare war on ISPUAfter getting off to a slow start in the final round of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women, Djoliba basketball club of Mali is gradually becoming a force to reckon with making people to predict that it quarter-final pairing against Instituto Superior Politechnica (I.S.P.U) Friday will be an interesting game.

Djoliba who finished third in group-A from three wins and two loses to Mozambican sides, Desportivo and Ferroviario, may have declared total war on their opponent as they will not want to lose to a third Mozambican team in the competition.

Powered by stocky forward, Aminata Sinita on whose shoulder the fate of the Bamako-based team rested must be alive to her responsibility if her team must make progress.

Dolphins/Lupopo lock horn in classification gameThe hope of Dolphins of Nigeria and Lupopo of Democratic Republic of Congo of wining a game at the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women may not be too far as both sides engage each other in a classification game Friday.

Just as there is no room for a draw in basketball match one of these two teams must have its name on the winner scorer sheet at the end of forty minutes.

Dolphins who appear the better of the two sides might just pick this one after finishing at the rear in group-A while Lupopo also round off her group-B matches at the bottom.

African Champions - 1º De Agosto Face Abc in Quarterfinals

The senior ladies team of 1º de Agosto face ABC of Cote D' Ivoire this Friday in the quarterfinals match of the African Clubs Champions Cup in basketball happening in Maputo (Mozambique).

After Wednesday's win over Fast Bank (58-50), in the last round of the first phase, in which the team finished in the first position of Group B, 1º de Agosto continues invincible in the competition. Nachissela Maurício, with 18 points, was the best scorer of that match.

NIGERIA : Comets Win Premier League, Qualify for African Cup

Ebun Comets of Lagos won three straight games by beating the Union Bank team 74-64 late Tuesday to win the abridged basketball Premier League.

The triumph of the Comets, however, is for the Atlantic Conference as the winner of the Savannah battle was expected to emerge last night after six days of action at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

The success has given the Comets the first Nigerian ticket to the continent this season with the other to be taken by the winner from the Kaduna centre. The former Nigerian champions will be in Cotonou, Benin Republic from the 31st of this month where the play off for African Zone Three will hold. The two top teams from that centre will proceed to Luanda, Angola where the African finals will hold by the end of next month.

In Lagos, the Comets got over Union Bank, the Customs and Dodan Warriors. Lagos Islanders and Delta Force failed to show up. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) quickly put together a mini league in lieu of a full league season to enable the country select and present teams for the African Champions League.

25 October 2007

NIGERIA : St Gabriel's School Emerges Champions

Boys of St. Gabriel's Secondary Commercial School, Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend sang the song of victory as they defeated their equally ambitious counterparts from Luminary Schools, Warri, Delta State, 64-59 in a heated encounter at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where the national champions of the 9th Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship emerged.

"We are the new Milo champions and we will continue to raise our game with the new Milo Actigen-E", the ecstatic Ibadan boys, who happened to be the fifth side from the Western Conference to lift the prestigeous trophy, exclaimed after they were presented with the trophy.

In the girls' category, Luminary Schools, Warri, Delta State, just like their boys' team were not so lucky as they lost the final match by 29-32 points paving the way for the girls of Queen Amina College, Kaduna, to clinch the trophy.

The third place matches, which were equally entertaining and competitive saw boys of Success Private School, Maiduguri, Borno State, defeating those of Ahmadiya College, Kano State, by 22-17 points, while representatives of Yejide Girls' Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State, out-played their counterparts from Government Girls' Secondary School, Yola, Adamawa State, by 24-17 points in the girls category.

In his usual generous attitude, Mr. Klaus Wachsmuth, Managing Director and CEO, Nestle Nigeria PLC, on behalf of the company, presented cash prizes of =N150,000, =N=100,000, and =N=75,000 to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams respectively in the two categories, while each member of the teams got a medal for keeps.

Certificates of participation, Milo products and branded gift items were also presented to all the participants in the tournament, including officials and match commissioners. In addition, a pair of basketball uprights was also presented to each of the winning and first runner-up teams in both the boys' and girls' category. This gesture is intended to sustain the students' interest in the game when they return to their respective schools.

Aside the champions, trophies and prizes, for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Most Entertaining Team, 3-point Shooter, Fair Play, Slam Dunk, and Best Media were presented to deserving individuals and teams.While speaking at the event, Mr. Wachsmuth assured basketball-loving Nigerians of Nestle's continued support.

"Our continued sponsorship of this event is in accordance with our goal of nourishing sporting ambitions and in line with our commitment to youth and sports development. It is also a veritable platform for us all to appreciate the critical link between sports, physical exercises, good health and wellness as well as the learning process", he said.

It would be recalled that this edition of the championship started early this year with the intra-state preliminaries, and then the very competitive conference playoffs, where six teams emerged in each category, making a total of twelve teams which vied for honours at the grand finale.

24 October 2007

MOZAMBIQUE : I.S.P.U batter KPA, Agosto white-watch Lupopo 87-40

Instituto Superior Politécnica Tuesday rode rough-shod over Kenya Ports Authority in a group-B game of the 13th edition of FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women holding in Maputo, Mozambique.

The Mozambican side won in all four quarters 18-10, 09-06, 21-12 and 14-06 for a final score of 62-34 to remain second in the group.

I.S.P.U who has completed her group matches winning three of the four group games played was led in scoring by Duice Magaia who poured in 14 points while the duo of Tania Wachene and Ana Branquinho gave 4 assists each, KPA Miriam Awour scored a failed 10 points for her side.

The Kenyan will have her last group-B game against another losing side Lupopo of Kinshasha, DR Congo Wednesday at 12.00 hours.

Agosto white-watch Lupopo 87-40

Defending champion of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women, Primero Agosto of Angola Tuesday shows the stuff they are made of when the Coach Anibal Moreira punish Democratic Republic of Congo Lupopo basketball club in a group-B game with a 87-40 points spanking.

The Angolan whose mission in Maputo is to retain the trophy they won in 2006 in Libreville, Gabon were merciless against the Congolese who are yet to record a win or show any promises so far in the competition.

Agosto was in a very comfortable lead at half-time with 34 points margin of 50-14 points (22-05, 28-09) and in their (Agosto) usual style to slow down for their opponent went ahead to pick the third and fourth quarter 23-17 and 14-09 for the heavy score-line difference of 87-40.

The defending champion will round off its group-B game against Nigeria First Bank basketball club Wednesday at 20.00 hours who are in search of a win over the Angolan in order to move to the second spot and top the group but they will need to beat the defending champion with as much as 10 points.

Nacissela Mauricio led her team with 13 points and 5 rebounds, the duo of Ernestina Neto and Angela Cardoso contributed 11 points each while Maria Afonso added 10 points for the big win over Lupopo.

Arc-En-Ciel beat Dolphins 75-67

The dwindling fortune of Nigeria Dolphins basketball continue unabated Tuesday night as they lost their fourth straight game in group-A bowing to Democratic Republic of Congo Arc-En-Ciel basketball club by 75-67 points.

Dolphins who came back strongly in the second quarter after going down in the first quarter 19-14 won in the second 21-16 to even score at half-time (35-35) only to give up the third quarter (25-14) to allow an 11 points deficit.

Efforts by the Wale Aboderin ladies to rattle the Congolese side prove abortive, though they got the upper hand in the last quarter with an 18-15 points but it was not enough to stop them from defeat as Arc-En-Ciel rally to her first win in the competition.

Rukonishi Kamini led the floor with 22 points and 5 rebounds, Mirelle Tshyoyo and Ginette Makiese added 12 points each while the duo of Jeanine Kalombo and Irene Nyama contributed 10 points each to complete the victory dance for their side.

Dolphins Nkechi Akashiki led her teammate with 21 points just as the duo of Rebecca Iretei and Rashidat Sodiq added 10 points each.

Dolphins' last group-A game will be against Djoliba of Mali at 16.00 hours Wednesday while Arc-En-Ciel plays host Ferroviario at 18.00 hours local time.

Desportivo down host, Ferroviario 57-52

Senegalese women national team captain, Anta Sy Tuesday justify her rating as the continent topmost defensive player when she grabbed 16 rebounds 14 of which were from defense and poured in 17 points to help her side, Desportivo of Maputo get the better of host of the final round of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women, Ferroviario basketball club of Maputo.

The Tuesday top of the bill encounter between the two city rival was more like a final match as both sides fight to remain top of group-A so as to guaranty a weaker opponent in the quarter-final.

The game which drew a large crowd saw Desportivo taking the first three quarters (14-07, 12-11, 15-13) leaving their opponent to continue to trail them into the last quarter which Ferroviario won 21-16 points for a cumulative scores of 57-52.

Desportivo Diara Dessai contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists to help her side remain unbeaten in the competition while the duo of Ferroviario Deolinda Gimo and Rute Muianga's 17 and 12 points could not save their team from defeat.

Desportivo will play her last group-A game against A.B.C at 14.00 hours while Ferroviario files out against DR Congo Arc-En-Ciel at 18.00 hours.

Djoliba brighten chance beat ABC 53-42

Djoliba basketball club of Bamako, Mali Tuesday confirm her place in the last eight with a 53-42 points win over Abidjan Basket Club (A.B.C) in a thrilling match.

The Malian spur on by Africa Nations Championship gold medalist Aminata Simita woke up from first quarter lose to pick the next two quarters of the match while the Ivorian rallied back to win the last quarter (07-12, 12-06, 22-12 and 12-16).

Djoliba Ndeye Mbengue led her teammates with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steal while Aminata Sereme added 11 points to set up a final group-A game against Nigeria Dolphins at 16.00 hours Wednesday.

Patricia Ngoy led the floor with 16 points and 5 rebounds with support from Guinean Fatoumata Kamara who scored 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steal and 2 assists for A.B.C.

The Abidjan-based side coached by Benga Lemore will file out Wednesday against Desportivo basketball club of Maputo, Mozambique at 14.00 hours.

UGANDA : Falcons look to Olumbo

KENYAN experienced coach Thomas ‘Smatts’ Olumbo returned to Uganda yesterday to lead desperate Mogas Falcons against rampant Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons in Game Two of the MTN-FUBA League play-offs tonight at Lugogo.

Falcons hired the tactician at the beginning of this season but he has been busy with the Kenyan women’s national team, which he led to the July All Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria. “He is very experienced and we have confidence in him. His presence will definitely make a difference,” Falcons’ influential player Henry Malinga told Daily Monitor yesterday.

Despite losing Game One 49-74, Malinga believes there is hope for the five-time winners. “The morale in our camp is high and the boys are really psyched. We didn’t get the basics right last time but hopefully we keep focused tomorrow (today),” Malinga noted. Canons had an easy ride in the opening clash but coach Jason Mehl concedes that it won’t be easy seeing off Falcons in straight games.

“These are play-offs and anything can happen. The guys are set but as you know, its not easy balancing sports and books. We shall give it our best shot and see what happens,” Mehl stated yesterday.

Inspirational Phillip Odur was left out of Game One and Mehl is uncertain of fielding the giant player today. The Kenyan star has earned plaudits for his stylish slam-dunks. KCC Leopards will count on Miriam Hamala, Annet Nakiwu, Becky Akullo and Linda Tamale as they tackle resilient UCU in the women’s category.

The Adewumi Aderemi coached Elephant Girls as the bankers are sometime called did not give their opponent any breathing space as they won the first three quarters leaving the Congolese with the last (14-05, 18-16, 23-18 and 16-19).

First Bank guard, Funmilayo Ojelabi poured in 16 points for her side, forward; Chioma Udeaja added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists while Tamunomiete Whyte contributed 10 points for the side second win in group-B.

The duo of Lupopo's Mayindu Baketule and Kasongo Kaye recorded 12 and 10 points respectively as they continue the search for a winning formula in the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women holding in Maputo, Mozambique.

First Bank will play its last group-B Wednesday against defending champion, Primero 1° Agosto at 20.00 hours local time while Lupopo keeps a date with the defending champion, Agosto (Tuesday) and against Kenya Ports Authority Wednesday.

Senegalese Diatta propel Desportivo to victoryIt was a night that the strength of Maputo-based club-side Desportivo was stressed to the limit as Democratic Republic of Congo Arc-En-Ciel searches for her first win but thanks the spirited efforts of Senegal import Salimata Diatta who poured in 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists to rescue her side from defeat.

Diatta who play a leading role in her national team The Lioness qualification for the Bei Jing 2008 Pre-Olympics qualifying ticket was a thorn in the flesh of the Congolese who were determined to shock their host.

Both side settles for an even score-line in the first quarter scoring 15 points each and in a bid to make a difference, Desportivo shot to the lead in the second quarter winning by 18-15 points and further extend the lead in the third quarter with a 14-08 points win.

The Kinshasha-based Congo DR determination to cut down the margin with a 18-12 points win in the last quarter was to late as Desportivo ran away with a 59-56 points win to remain unbeaten in the competition.

Arc-En-Ciel who also lost narrowly to Djoliba of Mali (52-48) will have to pray for mother luck to win her two remaining group-A games against Nigeria Dolphins (Tuesday) and Ferroviario (Wednesday).

Five matches on the bill TuesdayFive matches are on the bill Instituto Superior Politécnica (I.S.P.U) will test her superior nature against Kenya Ports Authority at noon in a group-B pairing, Lupopo battles defending champion, Agosto at 14.00 hours in another group-B encounter, Djoliba of Mali and Abidjan Basketball Club (A.B.C) test might at 16.00 hours in group-A match.

Other matches on the line-up Tuesday will see two Mozambican sides, Ferroviario and Desportivo slugging it in a game of wit in group-A at 18.00 hours while the last match for the day will see Nigeria Dolphins take on Democratic Republic of Congo Arc-En-Ciel as both sides continues its search for a winning formula.

Coaches met ThursdayCoaches will gather for a crucial meeting Thursday at the Instituto Superior Polytéchnica (I.S.P.U) to discuss how best to harness their trade.According to FIBA Africa Coaching Instructor, Samuel Wanjobi from Kenya says the purpose of the meeting is to look at the FIBA Training/Development Programme for Coaches in Africa.

Wanjobi appealed to coaches and assistant coaches of the eleven teams and other club in Mozambique to seize the opportunity to by attending the meeting.The meeting is slated for 16.00 hours local time.

UGANDA : Canons' Title March Continues

UGANDA Christian University (UCU) Canons look favourites to advance to the final of the men's national basketball championships.

Canons made light work of the Mogas Falcons in game one and the five-timechampionships are unlikely to stop them from reaching the finals in their maiden season in the top flight.

Falcons were swept aside 74 - 49 but they will have to forget it and produce a stellar performance to level the best- of- three semi-final series.It is a big task but Falcons' top star Walter Alenyo knows they do not have any other option but to fight hard."We have to give everything because we have nothing to lose," Alenyo explained.But Alenyo said they are capable of a backlash."We play best when we have our backs against the wall", Alenyo said."Against the Canons, however, the chances of a comeback may be slim."

Canons have improved with every game and their organisation and pace proved too much to handle for the Falcons in game one.Falcons' hopes will depend on their ability to outwit their rivals' pressing defence and score with consistency.Meanwhile, the Lady Canons take on KCC Leopards seeking to repeat their performance in game one.Although they lost 67 - 60, the Canons looked capable of snatching a shock win until the last minute. The Leopards had been expected to overrun them but the regular season champions were kept on their toes for the entire game.The semi-finals programme is expected to start at 5.30pm with the women playing.

KENYA : KPA Seek First Win in Maputo

Winless Kenya Ports Authority women basketball face ISPU of Mozambique today looking for their first win in the third match of the 13th edition of the Africa Club championships in Mozambique.

The dockers, who have lost two straight matches will be seeking to redeem their already dented image at the championships which they have featured three years in a row now.

They wind up their preliminary rounds with a match against Lupopo of DR Congo tomorrow.

Against First Bank in their second match Kenya Ports Authority which they lost 53-37, the dockers, who had lost the opening game 56-37 to defending champions Primero Agosto of Angola, were no match for the Nigerians who stepped up the tempo of the game to win the second quarter 14-01 for a 26-10 half time lead.

KPA, who had Agnes Anyango and captain Everlyne Akoth to thank for playing their hearts out, took the third quarter 16-13 but went down 11-14 in the fourth and final quarter.Anyango whose game has improved of late led the scorecard with 18 points while Akoth had eight.

Against Primero Agosto in the first match, KPA trailed 7-10 in the first quarter and completely lost out in the second quarter which the Angolans dominated 20-08 for a 30-15 half time lead.

In other matches, Deportivo from Mozambique beat Dolphins of Nigeria 68-55, ISPU from Mozambique shocked former champions First Bank from Nigeria 67-48 while Ferroviaro from Mozambique beat ABC 67-46.

NIGERIA : Elephant Girls Tackles Lupopo

Nigeria's First Bank basketball club hope of escaping a tough opponent in the quarter-finals of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women in Maputo, Mozambique depends on today's encounter against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lupopo basketball club of Kinshasha.

Having lost and won a match each, the Nigerian champions will file out against the Congolese side at the gymnasium of Grupo Desportivo stadium in Maputo, Mozambique.

First Bank (Elephant Girls), who paid dearly for underrating Intsituto Superior Polytenca (I.S.P.U) basketball club of Maputo on match Day-1 on Friday, rallied back to beat Kenya Ports Authority to keep their chance of progressing in the championship they won in 2003 edition in Mozambique.Meanwhile, First Bank coach, Aderemi Adewumi assured that there is no cause for alarm in their quest to search for more victory as their last group game would be against defending champion, Primero Agosto of Angola on Wednesday.

"We have learnt a bitter lesson; our lost to I.S.P.U was due to over confidence on our part forgetting that the gap is being bridge between the so called super power and the minors in Africa basketball.

"What we need to do is make sure we don't our game against the team from Congo, Lupopo, with that we are sure of escaping a tough pairing in the quarter finals.

NIGERIA : Curtain Fall on 9th Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Tourney

shola BashirAbuja

All is now set for the finals of this year's Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Championship billed for today at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Over 60,000 boys and girls who represented over 3,000 schools across the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, competed in the championship at both the state eliminations and conference playoffs.

It will be recalled that this 9th edition of the championship started with the state preliminaries in February, after which the conference playoffs kicked-off in June at the six usual conferences: the Savannah, Sahara, Central, Equatorial, Atlantic and Western conferences.

Category Business Manager, (Beverages), Mr. Walter Okafor, explained that each of the winning teams in both the boys and girls categories will go home with =N=150,000, while the first and second runners-up will get =N=100,000 and =N=75,000 respectively. In addition, the champions and the first runner-up will each be given a pair of basketball uprights for their schools.

"There will be trophies for Fair Play, Most Valuable Player (MVP), Most Entertaining Teams, Best 3-point shooters, and a medal for each member of the top three teams, while certificates of participation will be presented to all the participants, including all match

officials and commissioners, Mr. Okafor said.

Top government officials, management and senior staff of Nestle Nigeria Plc, coaches, players, scouts as well as basketball lovers and followers are expected to grace today's final ceremony, which will start from 12noon.

UGANDA : Gulu Hawks Decry Lack of Funds

Sande BashaijaKampala

GULU Hawks registered a slim 72-71 win over Crane High School in Game One of the best of three semi-final play-off series earlier in the week, but their hopes of returning to the topflight are slowly fading.

The Gulu giants are cash-strapped and may not honour the remaining two semi-final games. "Fuba's (Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations) decision to have all play-off games in Kampala is unfair. It is absolutely impossible for us to get funds to sustain us through this stage," Hawks' captain Denis Akena lamented his worries to Daily Monitor at Lugogo on Wednesday.

Relegated last season, the Hawks can return to topflight if they beat Crane High in the semis. KCC Lions and Vegetarian are the other contenders but only finalists will be promoted.

"I think we may forfeit the finals even if we make it. Since its best of five, there is no way we can travel to Kampala on five occasions," Akena remarked. "We don't have a sponsor and Fuba should be considerate." Akena said they had written to Fuba but were yet to receive a reply.

"If possible let them (Fuba) give us some money for at least three trips since they are supposed to send referees to Gulu every time we have a home game," the lethal guard said.

22 October 2007

Instituto Superior Politécnica (I.S.P.U) basketball club of Maputo Sunday rediscover their form to go past late comer, Lupopo basketball club of Congo DR by 58-37 points to stay top of group-B from three matches.

The Mozambican won in the first, third and fourth quarters (24-16, 14-03 and 14-08) while the Congolese only gained upper hand in the second quarter with 10-06 points.

Wale Aboderin and his ladies held their head high even in defeat Sunday when they almost created the biggest upset in the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women with a 69-67 points lose to host and 2006 runner-up, Ferroviario basketball club of Maputo.

The Nigerian side took an early lead in the action packed match winning the first quarter 23-09 points thus opening a 14 points lead only to give up the second quarter allowing the Mozambican to run away with a 15-09 points win ending the first half by 32-24 points.

The third quarter provided the host enough ground to further reduce the margin to just one point separating them and Dolphins with a 22-15 points win and went on to put paid to the ambition of Dolphins from picking their first win in the final of the biggest club competition for women with a 23-20 points win for a cumulative score-line of 69-67 points.

Dolphins USA import and former Nigeria international forward Rashidat Sodiq led the floor with a double double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, energetic 6 feet 1 inch forward, Tinuke Arowosafe also had a double double of 15 points and 10 rebounds while Julie Onyelugo contributed 12 points just as Patricia Chukwuma grabbed 11 rebounds.

Ferroviario Janete Monteiro poured in 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for her side, Julia Machalele added 12 points and 3 assists while Rute Muianga great effort of double double of 11 rebounds, 10 points and 5 assists was enough to give their side the much desired victory.

Fans that thronged the Grupo Desportivo gymnasium applauded the spirited efforts of the Nigerian for holding a side such as Ferroviario but blamed them for not wrapping up the game when it matters most, while owner and head coach of Nigerian side, Wale Aboderin blamed the defeat on two the referees, Sammy Wakaba and Henry Rosolo.

He says the referee committee of FIBA Africa should take measures to keep the referees up to date on the ever changing rules of the dynamic game of basketball if progress must be made by African teams, he urged the referee to let the better team wins that the continent deserve the best representation at the FIBA World Club League for Women.

13th Champions Cup for women – Maputo 07: Djoliba in narrow win

Djoliba basketball club of Mali Monday recorded her first win in group-A of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women with a 52-48 points victory over Arc-En-Ciel basketball club of DR Congo.

The Congolese were leading by 27-24 points at halftime but gave up to the power play of the Malian anchored by Aminata Sininta who led her teammate with 16 points, 7 rebounds and one block.

Djoliba came back forcefully in the third and fourth quarters winning by 14-08 and 14-13 points respectively to earn her first win which has raised their hope of qualifying for the knock)-out stage.

Aminata Sereme poured in 15 points while Minata Keita recorded a double double of 17 rebounds and 12 points to lift the Malian. Arc-En-Ciel Jeanine Kapinga was the only player on her side to record a double figure with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

TANZANIA : Dar start basketball title defence well

ABDALLAH MSUYADaily News; Monday,October 22, 2007 @00:01TAIFA Cup Basketball Champions Dar es Salaam Region yesterday started well their title defence after defeating Dodoma 78-27.Dar es Salaam looked strong from kick off of the official opening tie and enjoyed a 46-11 lead at the breather.The hosts increased pressure on Dodoma boys in the second half and registered 32 points more against 16 by the visitors.In other matches played earlier in the day, Arusha scored last minute points to register a slim 55-54 win over Tanga Region in one of the most entertaining games of the opening day.Unguja managed 55 points against 53 by Shinyanga Region in a hard fought encounter while Coast Region triumphed 39-23 over Mara.Tabora were strong enough to beat their neighbours, Mwanza Region, 75-53.The Deputy Minister For Information, Culture and Sports, Joel Bendera, graced the opening of the Barrick Gold Basketball Cup, calling for more regions to participate in the tournament. Only 14 out of 26 regions are participating in this year’s tournament.

21 October 2007

SEYCHELLES : Mont Fleuri, RA Sisters and PLS Hawks register victories

MONT FLEURI and RA Sisters collected victories this week, thus strengthening their positions on the Women’s league table. In the Men’s division 1A, PLS hawks shoot to the top of the standings with a win over Angels.

On Monday, RA Sisters collected two more points following their 65-49 victory over Bel Air. After winning the first quarter 15-7, RA Sisters let down their guards thus allowing Bel Air to fight back in the second quarter to conclude the first half on a 26-17 score. In the third and fourth quarters, RA Sisters maintained their lead to win the match 65-49.

Wearing the number 11 jerseys, Joanna Moustache had the hot hands for RA Sisters with 20 points while her counterpart Georgia Désir scored 21 points to top score for Bel Air.

In the other Women’s league match played during the week, Mont Fleuri totally dominated Juniors to register a comfortable 87-33 victory. Mont Fleuri took the first two quarters 17-8 and 20-7 to conclude the first half on a 37-15 score.

In the second half, Mont Fleuri scored 50 more points compared to only 18 for Juniors to guarantee themselves victory.

Lindy Aglaé scored 29 points to finish as Mont Fleuri’s top scorer, while with nine points, Kathleena Pouponeau led the scoring for Juniors.

Meanwhile, in a Men’s division 1A match played on Thursday at Victoria Gymnasium, PLS Hawks beat Angels 97-44 to go top of the standings.

In a men’s Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup match played during the week, RA Herons defeated Bel Air Blazers 76-57 and they will meet Premium Cobras in the next round.

SEYCHELLES : THE coaches’ commission of the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) has been dissolved.

Sports Nation has also learned that the newly elected SBF executive committee is to meet today to elect a new coaches’ commission.

According to a reliable source, the coaches’ commission should have been dissolved before the last annual general meeting, but because of some misunderstandings, it did not.

The same source added that the coaches’ commission, chaired by Pascal Fostel, claimed that it had a constitution which binds it to serve a two-year mandate.

As for SBF chairman Jude Talma, he noted that because the “coaches’ commission’s constitution had never been approved and the coaches’ commission being an arm of the SBF, it cannot have a constitution of its own thus making the ‘soit-disant coaches’ commission’s constitution illegal. Therefore, we will have to elect a new coaches’ commission in office.”

20 October 2007

RWANDA : Don't Count Off Marine-Owuor

Cliff Owuor has warned league clubs not to count off Marine in the race for this year's National Basketball League.

The APR tactician made these remarks following Marine's blistering start to the second round.

"Marine have not lost a game this round which puts them in a very good position for this year's play-offs," Owuor, the APR coach said.

Although the Gisenyi-based side finished third in her Pool (A) after falling to CSK A and defending champions APR, they have registered a 100% start to the second round after four convincing wins on the trot.

On top of recording relatively easy victories over ISAE, Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), Marine also pulled off a stunning 77-63 win over CSK A last Sunday.

The club's manager Patrick Shingiro concedes that Marine's win over CSK A is a major boast ahead of the club's final tie against APR.

"In the first round, CSK A beat us with a difference of 12points. Last Sunday, we beat them by a difference of 14points which gives us an extra edge over them."We have not lost a game in the second round and we want to keep it that way when the second round winds up," Shingiro noted.

Shingiro also added, " Last year, Marine made their league debut and got to the play-offs. Who knows what will happen this year!"

Marine face APR this Saturday in their final league tie and a win for them automatically sails the club through to this year's play-offs.

19 October 2007

KENYA : Ex Kenyan international shows way forward-Interview

Ex Kenyan national play maker decried the standard of the game in the country and said alot more needs to be done at the Premier League level so that the game can move a notch higher.

Alice Onono, who represented Kenyan in the 1994 World Championships in Australia told Fiba that they are ready to help Kenya basketball grow to greater heights in future.

Onono, who played for KCB Lioness before moving to the USA said in an interview that they are concerned about the dwindling standard of the game and are willing to do anything to restore its past glory.

She said that she has already talked some of the Kenyan players abroad and that they are all too willing to do what it takes including recarpeting some of the courts in Nairobi.

"We are what we are because of basketball.If it wasn't for this game, we would never have left the country for the US.It is for this reason that we are prepared to give something back to the game." she said.

Onono said that the many former players who left the country years back to pursue further education are more than willing to chip in both at the local and international level.

"We can easily organise to sponsor the national team programmes and even have the team come over to the US to train when faced with a continental assignment. " said Onono.

The Philadelphia based ex-international said they follow Kenyan progress in both the All Africa Games in Algeria and the Africa Feminine championships in Senegal and wondered why the results were contrasting.

"The team did so well in Algiers but when they went to Dakar, they were a pale shadow of themselves and were even placed last. This worried us." she said.

Onono, who has been away for 11 years was a member of the national side that proudly represented the country in the World Championships in Adelaide, in 1994.

She says that with much help the Kenyan teams can still go that far.All that needs to be done is to get orgainsed and work hard towards achieving this goal.

"With sponsors, everything is possible." said Onono who wondered why there are only a handful of fans turning up at Nyayo Stadium to watch the game.

She told Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Agina Wesonga that amonth the fist things she will do upon return to US in a few days is to contact ex players and float the idea to them.

18 October 2007

UGANDA : Fierce Warriors clock 100 points

WARRIORS registered the highest score in the history of the MTN-Fuba League play-offs when they humiliated 2000 champions Sadolin Power 106-69 in Game One of the semis on Wednesday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Warriors, A-1 Challenge and Gulu Hawks can now make the finals with victories on October 26. Without former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Wilbrod Oketcho, who was held up by work commitments in Kalangala District, Power's defence looked vulnerable and Warriors ripped it apart every time they attacked.

To prove their prowess, Warriors recorded eight 3-point plays in the game that started as a tight contest but turned out to be one-sided that partisan fans walked out shortly after halftime. Regardless of the miserable show, Power coach Andrew Mbazira remained optimistic.

“Last year we lost the opening game but managed to make the finals. I am disappointed the boys didn't listen to my instructions but we still have two games to make amends,” a not so amused Mbazira noted.

NIGERIA : Administrators Thumb Up Sponsors

Top and seasoned administrators in the on-going 9th edition of the national finals of the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, have praised the sponsors for the development of the game in the country.

Assistant Head, Schools Sports in Kano State, Raibu Abdu said that Nestle Milo has done more than any other corporate bodies in the development of the game of basketball in the country.

"They have really done so well every year. There is no hiding the fact that the company has contributed more than any other company in the country.

"This year's national finals of the championship has lived up to expectations and we are glad with what the players have exhibited.

"I'm more impressed with the standard of the game in the girls category. They have really improved tremendously and it is a plus to the sponsors. I just hope they will keep up the tempo", he said.

National coordinator of the championship, Col. Sam Ahmedu, also spoke in the same vein with Abdu.

"It is a promise that they are keeping faith with. They promised that they will continue to help develop the game and they have not relented and we hope they will not relent", he said.

Meanwhile, in some of the matches decided on the opening day of the national finals, FCT, Abuja girls representatives lost 13 - 19 points to their counterparts from Ebonyi, while Delta State representatives in the girls category defeated their counterparters from Adamawa.

In the boys category, Kano State representatives lost 33 - 39 points to their opponents from Borno, while Oyo State representatives defeated Delta State 32-29 points.

The championship comes to an end on Saturday, October 20, with the boys final.

17 October 2007

NIGERIA : First Bank role out team list, depart Wednesday

Nigeria Champion, First Bank basketball club will depart Nigeria aboard South Africa Airways for Maputo, Mozambique ahead with twelve players and six officials.

It was not a coincidence that the Nigerian champion is returning to Maputo to contest for the Africa flagship Women Club hampionship as she last won it in Maputo in 2003 and has declared her intention to recontest for the title again.

According to team head coach and assistant coach of the Nigeria senior women national team, Adewumi Aderemi that nothing is going to stand between his team and the title when hostilities began on October 19.

The First Bank coach is sure that his girls can re-write history of 2003 be winning the title and snatched the FIBA World League for women ticket.

“I am double sure that we can win again and playing in Maputo is like playing at home we know the terrain and we shall utilize it to our advantage.

“I want to assure our management and fans that First Bank basketball club is going to Mozambique to challenge for the title once again, he concluded.

Coach Adremi will be assisted by former Nigeria and First Bank basketball club captain, Shola Ogunade, other officials on the trip are Ngozi Iwuanyanwu – Team Manager, Isaac Ladepo First Bank sports Council Secretary General while the club sports council chairman, Alhaji Umar will lead the team out for the all important continental engagement team accompanying referee is FIBA graded referee, kingsley Ojeaburu.

…Dolphins, unleash Sodiq, Chukwuma on the continent.

Nigeria second representative at the final round of the 13th African Champions Club Competition, Dolphins basketball club of Lagos is making good her plead not to be in Maputo for the fun of just participating.

The Wale Aboderin modest outfit has since beef up its squard for the continental battle with the infusion of USA-based former First Bank basketball club forward, Rashidat Sodiq and Patricia Chukwuma.

Aboderin who will double as the team head coach says his desire to bring in the duo of Sodiq and Chukwuma was to make a statement in Maputo that his modest club side can also contest for honours.

Model Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, and Ebonyi Government Technical College, Abakaliki, are the female teams that will dunk off at the national finals of this year's Nestle Milo Secondary Schools' Basketball Championship. In the male category, Ahmadiyya College, Kano, and Success Private School, Maiduguri, are the teams battling for honours in the four- day event.

He said the company is fully prepared to organize a befitting celebration for the eventual lucky champions out of the six teams in each of the boys and girls categories that have qualified to vie for honours at the grand finale of this 9th edition of the tournament, which dunked off yesterday at the Indoor sports hall of the national stadium.

Category Business Manager (Beverages) Mr. Walter Okafor, explained that each of the winning teams in both the boys and girls categories will go home with =N=150,000, while the first and second runners-up will get =N=100,000 and =N=75,000 respectively. In addition, the champions and the first runner-up teams will be given a pair of basketball uprights for their schools.

"There will be trophies for Fair Play, Most Valuable Player (MVP), Most Entertaining Teams, Best 3-point shooter, and a medal for each member of the top three teams, while certificates of participation will be presented to all the participants, including all match officials and commissioners", Mr. Okafor said.

In his own contribution, Mr. Remi Olowude, Chairman, National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF) pointed out that over 60,000 boys and girls who represented over 3,000 schools across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT, competed in the championship at both the state eliminations and conference play-offs.

"This level of participation marks a significant improvement, and also shows that the championship continues to grow in all its facets", said Olowude who was represented by Mr. Lanre Balogoun.

It will be recalled that this 9th edition of the championship started with the state preliminaries in February, after which the conference play-offs kicked-off in June at the six usual conferences: the Savannah, Sahara, Central, Equatorial, Atlantic and Western. At the end of the conference play-offs, the six teams that came out tops in each category are now set to aim at the hoops in a grand finale which has been tipped to be highly competitive and entertaining.

UGANDA : Warriors seeking revenge against Power

KYAMBOGO Warriors’ utility player Brian Gumisiriza is itching to exert revenge on Sadolin Power when the two teams meet tonight in Game One of the best of three MTN-Fuba League semi-final play-off series at Lugogo.

Despite being top contenders, Warriors fell 2-0 to Power in last season’s semi-finals. But Power also went on to lose 1-3 to Marines in the best of five finals while Warriors settled for third place after outlasting Falcons.

Warriors, arguably the most balanced team in Uganda’s basketball, has never made the finals but Gumisiriza asserts this could be their best chance. “We are going out for revenge and this should be enough motivation to beat Power.

Last year’s loss is still on our minds and we hope to make the finals,” Gumisiriza said. While acknowledging the fact that Power won’t be just a push over, Gumisiriza noted; “Every team in the play-offs is good. But personally I would prefer facing Power instead of UCU Canons or Falcons.” Going by their regular season form, Warriors are favourites to make the finals but must contain Wilbrod Oketcho, who has been the most consistent post player.

2005 women champions A-1 Challenge will look up to Ali Mavita, Gloria Kyomugisha, Elizabeth Kiiza, Josephine Namayega and Viola Akuma as they take on KIU Rangers while Gulu Hawks are pitted against Crane High School in the Second Division play-offs.

KENYA : Akinyi out of Maputo tourney

Story by CAXTON APOLLOPublication Date: 10/17/2007

International Yvone Akinyi has been dropped from the Maputo-bound Kenya Ports Authority women’s basketball team squad which leaves this morning for the Africa basketball club championship in Mozambique.

Head coach Sammy Wanjohi said Akinyi, who was in Kenya’s team which finished bottom in the Africa Cup in Dakar, Senegal, recently was ruled out of the squad by doctors due to illness.

Akinyi’s place has been taken up by Carol Mureji, who will be making her first appearance in the continental championship.

KPA will also miss the services of another international star, Gladys Wanyama, who has left the country for the United States on a study scholarship. The 13th edition of the Africa club championship, which has attracted a total of 12 teams, will run between October 17 and 28.

Defending champs

The dockwomen registered a moral boosting 113-16 win over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology on Saturday but relaxed their offense to allow unbeaten Flames of the United States International University rock them 58-53 on Sunday.

Angola’s Primwero De Agosto will be defending the Africa Cup which they won in Libreville, Gabon last year. Hosts Mozambique have entered three teams; Ferroviario, Desportivo and ISPU.

Meanwhile, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has suspended long serving fixtures secretary, Stephen Nyakina, for misconduct. Vice-chairman Henry Shihemi said the decision to show Nyakina the door on financial irregularities as reached during last weekend’s executive-committee in Nairobi.

He said Nyakina had failed to account for the league registration fees which was paid to him by both the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology men and women’s teams.